Symptoms and Treatment Options for an Arrhythmia

Posted on 7/11/2014

If your cardiologist diagnoses you with an arrhythmia, it means that you have an abnormal heartbeat. There are many different types of arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation, bradycardia, and ventricular fibrillation. Your heart doctor will explain the type of arrhythmia you have and discuss your treatment options, such as medications and lifestyle modifications.

Symptoms
Discuss all of your symptoms with your cardiologist, which may include heart palpitations, or the feeling that your heart has skipped a beat. You may also feel faint or lightheaded, dizzy, and short of breath. Other symptoms of arrhythmias to watch out for include chest discomfort, pounding in the chest, and fatigue.

Medications
Cardiology patients respond in different ways to medications. Your heart doctor may try a few different medications before finding the one that’s right for you. Some examples of drugs used to treat an arrhythmia include anticoagulants to lower your risk of blood clots. Your cardiologist may also prescribe antiarrhythmic drugs such as beta-blockers to manage your heart rate.

Treatment
Treatments range from diet change and medication. There also treatments such as: cardioversions, ablations and implantation of devices. In some cases surgery may be the recommended treatment for the arrhythmia.

Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle modifications may help manage your condition. Cardiologists generally recommend avoiding cough and cold medications that contain stimulants. You may also need to limit your consumption of alcohol and caffeine. If you smoke, quitting can greatly improve your heart health and help manage your condition.

At Cardiac Solutions, we take a team-oriented approach to patient care. Our cardiologists provide personalized patient care, educational courses, and classes for family members to support heart health in our area. Those looking for a cardiologist in the Phoenix, Glendale, or Sun City West areas are welcome to call us at (623) 208-5305.